Jane McDonald has been announced as the new host for the British Soap Awards this weekend following Phillip Schofield’s departure from ITV.

The ceremony, which has been hosted by Schofield since 2006, is due to take place on Saturday.

McDonald, a singer and TV presenter known for shows including Cruising With Jane McDonald and Loose Women, will now take over presenting duties.

Last week, Schofield admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a younger male colleague and stepped down from his roles with ITV. He was also dropped by talent agency, YMU.

Following the revelations, he was also dropped as an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust charity and ITV has asked a barrister to carry out an external review of his departure from This Morning.

ITV bosses will be quizzed by MPs next week over their handling of the situation.